Dolly Parton (Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dolly Parton)
Animal lovers – mark your calendars for Wednesday, February 21, 2024. That’s when megastar and all-around terrific human being Dolly Parton will be hosting Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala on CBS, a two-hour variety special that’ll not only let the dogs out but put them front and center on a special doggy runway.
“I have hosted or co-hosted many shows throughout my career, but I have never been more excited about co-hosting a show than I am about being part of this pet gala! I love animals. I’ve got all kinds, and of course, I’ve always had little dogs around, and big ones! We’re going to have some of all kinds and colors on the show, and there is nothing more fun to me than when little animals do what they do best, and I’m looking forward to it!
Animal lovers – mark your calendars for Wednesday, February 21, 2024. That’s when megastar and all-around terrific human being Dolly Parton will be hosting Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala on CBS, a two-hour variety special that’ll not only let the dogs out but put them front and center on a special doggy runway.
“I have hosted or co-hosted many shows throughout my career, but I have never been more excited about co-hosting a show than I am about being part of this pet gala! I love animals. I’ve got all kinds, and of course, I’ve always had little dogs around, and big ones! We’re going to have some of all kinds and colors on the show, and there is nothing more fun to me than when little animals do what they do best, and I’m looking forward to it!
- 1/25/2024
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Dolly Parton has teamed up with CBS to present the “Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala” special which is slated to premiere on CBS Network and on Paramount+ on Feb. 21 at 9 p.m. Et/Pt. The special will air live and on demand for Paramount+ with Showtime subscribers, or on demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs.
The two-hour variety special will not only feature a runway of doggy talent sporting recreations of Parton’s most iconic ensembles and embellished looks from Dolly’s Doggy Parton pet line, but will also show exclusive performances of Parton’s hits including “9 to 5,” “I Will Always Love You,” “Puppy Love” and “Jolene,” from the country icon and country stars Lainey Wilson, Carly Pearce, Chris Janson and Kc of Kc of the Sunshine Band.
Jane Lynch joins Parton as co-host alongside runway correspondents Kelly Osbourne and Rachel Smith. Viewers...
The two-hour variety special will not only feature a runway of doggy talent sporting recreations of Parton’s most iconic ensembles and embellished looks from Dolly’s Doggy Parton pet line, but will also show exclusive performances of Parton’s hits including “9 to 5,” “I Will Always Love You,” “Puppy Love” and “Jolene,” from the country icon and country stars Lainey Wilson, Carly Pearce, Chris Janson and Kc of Kc of the Sunshine Band.
Jane Lynch joins Parton as co-host alongside runway correspondents Kelly Osbourne and Rachel Smith. Viewers...
- 1/25/2024
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
The Mean Machine is getting back on the field… again. Deadline reports that Paramount Pictures are developing another remake of The Longest Yard.
The 1974 original was a prison sports comedy starring Burt Reynolds as Paul “Wrecking” Crewe, a former NFL star who is sentenced to 18 months in Citrus State Prison, where he recruits a group of prisoners to play football against the guards. The film included a number of real-life football stars, including Ray Nitschke of the Green Bay Packers. The 2005 remake amped up the comedy and starred Adam Sandler in the role of the wash-up quarterback, who agrees to assemble a prison team in exchange for a reduced sentence. Burt Reynolds appeared in the remake as the team’s coach.
The remake starring Adam Sandler wasn’t the only adaptation of The Longest Yard, nor was it the first. Vinnie Jones took the lead in Mean Machine in 2001, which...
The 1974 original was a prison sports comedy starring Burt Reynolds as Paul “Wrecking” Crewe, a former NFL star who is sentenced to 18 months in Citrus State Prison, where he recruits a group of prisoners to play football against the guards. The film included a number of real-life football stars, including Ray Nitschke of the Green Bay Packers. The 2005 remake amped up the comedy and starred Adam Sandler in the role of the wash-up quarterback, who agrees to assemble a prison team in exchange for a reduced sentence. Burt Reynolds appeared in the remake as the team’s coach.
The remake starring Adam Sandler wasn’t the only adaptation of The Longest Yard, nor was it the first. Vinnie Jones took the lead in Mean Machine in 2001, which...
- 11/7/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: The Longest Yard is getting another set of downs.
Deadline hears that another remake of the film, which originally starred Burt Reynolds in 1974 and was remade starring Adam Sandler in 2005, is in the works at Paramount Pictures. Rodney Barnes, who was an exec producer and writer on HBO’s Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, is writing.
It comes from Gunpowder & Sky, whose CEO Van Toffler was an exec producer on the 2005 version when he worked at then-MTV owner Viacom. Toffler is producing with former MTV Films boss David Gale, who reunited with Toffler at Gunpowder & Sky and who also exec produced the Sandler version.
The Longest Yard is a prison sports comedy film.
‘The Longest Yard,’ 1974
The 1974 original was based on a story by Al Ruddy, directed by Robert Aldrich and written by Tracy Keenan Wynn. It starred Reynolds as Paul “Wrecking” Crewe, a...
Deadline hears that another remake of the film, which originally starred Burt Reynolds in 1974 and was remade starring Adam Sandler in 2005, is in the works at Paramount Pictures. Rodney Barnes, who was an exec producer and writer on HBO’s Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, is writing.
It comes from Gunpowder & Sky, whose CEO Van Toffler was an exec producer on the 2005 version when he worked at then-MTV owner Viacom. Toffler is producing with former MTV Films boss David Gale, who reunited with Toffler at Gunpowder & Sky and who also exec produced the Sandler version.
The Longest Yard is a prison sports comedy film.
‘The Longest Yard,’ 1974
The 1974 original was based on a story by Al Ruddy, directed by Robert Aldrich and written by Tracy Keenan Wynn. It starred Reynolds as Paul “Wrecking” Crewe, a...
- 11/6/2023
- by Peter White and Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Will Crossroads be getting a sequel?
The film’s director Tamra Davis recently did an interview with EW, where she talked about the potential for a sequel.
“I’m currently working with Van Toffler, who was the producer on it, and he’s [mentioned it],” she said.
Keep reading to find out more…
“I think he’s been talking to Britney about it, with her management. Britney, I don’t think she really wants to act so much, but I know Ann [Carli] spoke to Shonda [Rhimes] about something, and Shonda had an idea, so who knows if that will have life.”
Shonda wrote the script for the film that also starred Zoe Saldana and Taryn Manning.
She also said she hopes Shonda is involved with it if it does happen, “because she’s just so brilliant.”
“You could see on her first feature film what an incredible voice she had and her understanding of female characters.
The film’s director Tamra Davis recently did an interview with EW, where she talked about the potential for a sequel.
“I’m currently working with Van Toffler, who was the producer on it, and he’s [mentioned it],” she said.
Keep reading to find out more…
“I think he’s been talking to Britney about it, with her management. Britney, I don’t think she really wants to act so much, but I know Ann [Carli] spoke to Shonda [Rhimes] about something, and Shonda had an idea, so who knows if that will have life.”
Shonda wrote the script for the film that also starred Zoe Saldana and Taryn Manning.
She also said she hopes Shonda is involved with it if it does happen, “because she’s just so brilliant.”
“You could see on her first feature film what an incredible voice she had and her understanding of female characters.
- 10/22/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
With the Britney Spears-starring Crossroads set to reenter theaters this week to coincide with the release of her memoir The Woman in Me, the 2002 dramedy’s director discussed a potential sequel and eventual streaming availability in a new interview.
Spears writes at length about working on Crossroads in her book, saying she didn’t enjoy “method acting” for the film. “I hope I never get close to that occupational hazard again. Living that way, being half yourself and half a fictional character, is messed up. After a while you...
Spears writes at length about working on Crossroads in her book, saying she didn’t enjoy “method acting” for the film. “I hope I never get close to that occupational hazard again. Living that way, being half yourself and half a fictional character, is messed up. After a while you...
- 10/22/2023
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Pop icon Britney Spears has made many revelations in her memoir ‘The Woman in Me’, dropping several bombshells regarding both her work and her personal life. Director Tamra Davis, with whom Britney worked with in the 2002 film ‘Crossroads’ has said that she is in talks with the singer for a potential sequel to the film.
In her memoir, Spears opened up about filming and recalled that she didn’t have a great experience with method acting. She went on to add that after she had wrapped up the movie she was done with acting.
The singer further said that she was not able to be herself while doing the film and it was difficult for her to break character, as per Deadline.
She mentioned in her book: “The experience wasn’t easy for me. My problem wasn’t with anyone involved in the production but with what acting did to my mind.
In her memoir, Spears opened up about filming and recalled that she didn’t have a great experience with method acting. She went on to add that after she had wrapped up the movie she was done with acting.
The singer further said that she was not able to be herself while doing the film and it was difficult for her to break character, as per Deadline.
She mentioned in her book: “The experience wasn’t easy for me. My problem wasn’t with anyone involved in the production but with what acting did to my mind.
- 10/22/2023
- by Agency News Desk
Pop icon Britney Spears has made many revelations in her memoir ‘The Woman in Me’, dropping several bombshells regarding both her work and her personal life. Director Tamra Davis, with whom Britney worked with in the 2002 film ‘Crossroads’ has said that she is in talks with the singer for a potential sequel to the film.
In her memoir, Spears opened up about filming and recalled that she didn’t have a great experience with method acting. She went on to add that after she had wrapped up the movie she was done with acting.
The singer further said that she was not able to be herself while doing the film and it was difficult for her to break character, as per Deadline.
She mentioned in her book: “The experience wasn’t easy for me. My problem wasn’t with anyone involved in the production but with what acting did to my mind.
In her memoir, Spears opened up about filming and recalled that she didn’t have a great experience with method acting. She went on to add that after she had wrapped up the movie she was done with acting.
The singer further said that she was not able to be herself while doing the film and it was difficult for her to break character, as per Deadline.
She mentioned in her book: “The experience wasn’t easy for me. My problem wasn’t with anyone involved in the production but with what acting did to my mind.
- 10/22/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
A 'Crossroads' sequel is being discussed - though Britney Spears is not said to be keen to "act" in it.The pop idol, 41, starred in the 2002 teen comedy-drama road film as Lucy Wagner with her sister Jamie Lynn Spears, 32, playing a younger version of her character, and director Tamra Davis has revealed the flick's producer Van Toffler has been in touch with Britney and screenwriter Shonda Rhimes about making a follow-up, and the latter even has an idea for it.Tamra told Entertainment Weekly: “I’m currently working with Van Toffler, who was the producer on it, and he’s [mentioned it]. “I think he’s been talking to Britney about it, with her management. Britney, I don’t think she really wants to act so much, but I know Ann [Carli] spoke to Shonda [Rhimes] about something, and Shonda had an idea, so who knows if that will have life.
- 10/22/2023
- by Lizzie Baker
- Bang Showbiz
Crossroads has been getting a lot of attention lately following the release of Britney Spears’ memoir titled The Woman in Me.
The film’s director Tamra Davis recently did an interview where she talked about the potential of a sequel, which she says there have been conversations about following up with the 2002 movie.
“I’m currently working with Van Toffler, who was the producer on it, and he’s [mentioned it],” Davis told EW in an interview. “I think he’s been talking to Britney about it, with her management. Britney, I don’t think she really wants to act so much, but I know Ann [Carli] spoke to Shonda [Rhimes] about something, and Shonda had an idea, so who knows if that will have life.”
Before Grey’s Anatomy, Rhimes wrote the script for the film that also starred Anson Mount, Zoe Saldana, Taryn Manning, Kim Cattrall and Dan Aykroyd. In the event that a sequel happens,...
The film’s director Tamra Davis recently did an interview where she talked about the potential of a sequel, which she says there have been conversations about following up with the 2002 movie.
“I’m currently working with Van Toffler, who was the producer on it, and he’s [mentioned it],” Davis told EW in an interview. “I think he’s been talking to Britney about it, with her management. Britney, I don’t think she really wants to act so much, but I know Ann [Carli] spoke to Shonda [Rhimes] about something, and Shonda had an idea, so who knows if that will have life.”
Before Grey’s Anatomy, Rhimes wrote the script for the film that also starred Anson Mount, Zoe Saldana, Taryn Manning, Kim Cattrall and Dan Aykroyd. In the event that a sequel happens,...
- 10/22/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount+ is putting a spotlight on the boy bands of the 90s and early 2000s!
The streaming service has picked up a documentary about the boy band-obsessed era and their place in pop culture, Variety reports.
Longtime music manager Johnny Wright, who has managed acts like New Kids on the Block, *Nsync, 98 Degrees and more, has teamed up with Gunpower and Sky CEO Van Toffler to produce the upcoming doc.
Get more details inside…
“The ’90s boy band era made an indelible impact and will be forever woven into the pop culture landscape,” Bruce Gilmer, Paramount’s president of music, music talent, programming and events and Paramount+’s chief content officer of music, said in a statement. “Boy bands remain bonafide global sensations to this day, as seen in the fan frenzy heard around the world during *Nsync’s on-stage reunion at this year’s VMAs and the ever-spreading domination...
The streaming service has picked up a documentary about the boy band-obsessed era and their place in pop culture, Variety reports.
Longtime music manager Johnny Wright, who has managed acts like New Kids on the Block, *Nsync, 98 Degrees and more, has teamed up with Gunpower and Sky CEO Van Toffler to produce the upcoming doc.
Get more details inside…
“The ’90s boy band era made an indelible impact and will be forever woven into the pop culture landscape,” Bruce Gilmer, Paramount’s president of music, music talent, programming and events and Paramount+’s chief content officer of music, said in a statement. “Boy bands remain bonafide global sensations to this day, as seen in the fan frenzy heard around the world during *Nsync’s on-stage reunion at this year’s VMAs and the ever-spreading domination...
- 10/4/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
The boy band golden era and its biggest stars — ‘NSync, the Backstreet Boys, and New Kids on the Block — will be the subject of a new documentary on Paramount+.
As The Wrap notes, the yet-untitled documentary, which just got the green light, will purportedly examine the highs and lows of boy band superstardom, as well as the era these groups helped define. There will be interviews with key figures, including band members, and access to music and archival footage.
The movie will be directed by Tamra Davis, whose credits include...
As The Wrap notes, the yet-untitled documentary, which just got the green light, will purportedly examine the highs and lows of boy band superstardom, as well as the era these groups helped define. There will be interviews with key figures, including band members, and access to music and archival footage.
The movie will be directed by Tamra Davis, whose credits include...
- 10/2/2023
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Paramount+ has greenlit a new documentary that will shine a spotlight on the boy bands that dominated pop culture and the music industry in the late 1990s and early 2000s, including Nsync, the Backstreet Boys and New Kids on the Block.
The documentary will feature new interviews and material, along with archival concert footage, unaired interviews and candid clips that feature original members, songwriters, producers, managers, family members and fans.
The project is produced by music manager Johnny Wright and Gunpower & Sky CEO Van Toffler and directed by Tamra Davis.
Gunpowder & Sky is producing in partnership with MTV Entertainment Studios.
“The ’90s boy band era was an extraordinary chapter in music where harmonies and beats came together, along with talented vocal artists who captivated the hearts of millions worldwide,” Wright said in a statement. “Their music spoke to the dreams, aspirations and emotions of the fans, creating a bond that transcended borders and language.
The documentary will feature new interviews and material, along with archival concert footage, unaired interviews and candid clips that feature original members, songwriters, producers, managers, family members and fans.
The project is produced by music manager Johnny Wright and Gunpower & Sky CEO Van Toffler and directed by Tamra Davis.
Gunpowder & Sky is producing in partnership with MTV Entertainment Studios.
“The ’90s boy band era was an extraordinary chapter in music where harmonies and beats came together, along with talented vocal artists who captivated the hearts of millions worldwide,” Wright said in a statement. “Their music spoke to the dreams, aspirations and emotions of the fans, creating a bond that transcended borders and language.
- 10/2/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Paramount+ is hangin’ tough with its latest music documentary.
The streamer has lined up a new feature doc about boy bands such as New Kids On The Block, Backstreet Boys, *Nsync and 98 Degrees that dominated the field in the 90s and early 2000s
The untitled doc has some boy band experience behind it. It is produced by Johnny Wright and Van Toffler.
Wright started out as tour manager for New Kids on the Block before managing Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake. Toffler, who is CEO of Gunpowder & Sky, which is producing with MTV Entertainment Studios, spent 28 years at MTV, including as President of Viacom Media Networks Music & Logo Group between 2008 and 2016, when it played music videos, many of which were by these artists.
Tamra Davis, who helmed movies such as Billy Madison and Half Baked, will direct.
The doc will dig deep into the love, pain...
The streamer has lined up a new feature doc about boy bands such as New Kids On The Block, Backstreet Boys, *Nsync and 98 Degrees that dominated the field in the 90s and early 2000s
The untitled doc has some boy band experience behind it. It is produced by Johnny Wright and Van Toffler.
Wright started out as tour manager for New Kids on the Block before managing Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake. Toffler, who is CEO of Gunpowder & Sky, which is producing with MTV Entertainment Studios, spent 28 years at MTV, including as President of Viacom Media Networks Music & Logo Group between 2008 and 2016, when it played music videos, many of which were by these artists.
Tamra Davis, who helmed movies such as Billy Madison and Half Baked, will direct.
The doc will dig deep into the love, pain...
- 10/2/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Dig through the 120-plus Emmy categories and you’ll discover more than double-digit nominations for Succession and Ted Lasso. You’ll also uncover the indisputable influence of hip-hop.
The ever-growing television medium is keeping the legacies of two of the most important figures in rap — and overall pop culture — alive, and now the projects are competing for Emmys. Dear Mama, the FX documentary series about Tupac Shakur and his activist mother, Afeni, earned nominations for outstanding documentary or nonfiction series and writing for a nonfiction program, while a virtual reality concert that brought Notorious B.I.G. back to life is up for outstanding emerging media program.
To top it off, rap’s ultimate entrepreneur, Jay-Z, is nominated for two Emmys, including a historic one for outstanding directing for a variety series for Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime show. And this is all happening during the year that is the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.
The ever-growing television medium is keeping the legacies of two of the most important figures in rap — and overall pop culture — alive, and now the projects are competing for Emmys. Dear Mama, the FX documentary series about Tupac Shakur and his activist mother, Afeni, earned nominations for outstanding documentary or nonfiction series and writing for a nonfiction program, while a virtual reality concert that brought Notorious B.I.G. back to life is up for outstanding emerging media program.
To top it off, rap’s ultimate entrepreneur, Jay-Z, is nominated for two Emmys, including a historic one for outstanding directing for a variety series for Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime show. And this is all happening during the year that is the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.
- 9/13/2023
- by Mesfin Fekadu
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Courtney B. Vance-fronted Showtime original film “Heist 88” will debut next month on Paramount+, followed by a premiere on the linear pay cable channel. The story chronicles a master criminal who arranges an $80 million bank job prior to beginning a prison sentence. The film, produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, Bassett Vance Productions and Gunpowder & Sky, will debut on Paramount+ with Showtime beginning Sept. 29. It’ll make its linear debut on Showtime on Sunday, Oct. 1 at 9:00 p.m.
Written by Dwayne Johnson-Cochran and directed by Menhaj Huda, “Heist 88” is inspired by true events. The film features Vance as Jeremy Horne who can convince anyone to do anything. He recruits four bank employees to partake in a mega-bucks heist. Taking place before the advent of modern computerization and cybersecurity, it reunites Vance with Keesha Sharp. She portrayed Dale Cochran in “The People vs. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.
Written by Dwayne Johnson-Cochran and directed by Menhaj Huda, “Heist 88” is inspired by true events. The film features Vance as Jeremy Horne who can convince anyone to do anything. He recruits four bank employees to partake in a mega-bucks heist. Taking place before the advent of modern computerization and cybersecurity, it reunites Vance with Keesha Sharp. She portrayed Dale Cochran in “The People vs. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.
- 8/28/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Showtime has an exciting new original movie, and the cast is impressive.
Heist 88 is headlined by two-time Emmy Award-winning actor Courtney B. Vance and produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, Bassett Vance Productions, and Gunpowder & Sky.
Inspired by one of the largest bank robberies in U.S. history, the film will stream exclusively on Paramount+ with Showtime starting on Friday, September 29, and on Showtime on Sunday, October 1 at 9 p.m. Et/Pt.
"Inspired by true events, Heist 88 is the unbelievable story centered on Jeremy Horne (Vance), a criminal mastermind with an innate ability to convince anyone to do just about anything, who decides to pull one last job before going to prison," the cabler's official description teases.
"He recruits four young bank employees to steal close to $80 million dollars in a daring and brazen assault on the U.S. banking system."
"The film takes place in a time before widespread...
Heist 88 is headlined by two-time Emmy Award-winning actor Courtney B. Vance and produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, Bassett Vance Productions, and Gunpowder & Sky.
Inspired by one of the largest bank robberies in U.S. history, the film will stream exclusively on Paramount+ with Showtime starting on Friday, September 29, and on Showtime on Sunday, October 1 at 9 p.m. Et/Pt.
"Inspired by true events, Heist 88 is the unbelievable story centered on Jeremy Horne (Vance), a criminal mastermind with an innate ability to convince anyone to do just about anything, who decides to pull one last job before going to prison," the cabler's official description teases.
"He recruits four young bank employees to steal close to $80 million dollars in a daring and brazen assault on the U.S. banking system."
"The film takes place in a time before widespread...
- 8/28/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Former MTV president Van Toffler had the history books on his mind when he asked Madonna to open the 2003 Video Music Awards. Toffler wanted to honor the VMAs’ nearly two-decade legacy with a callback to its inaugural 1984 edition. A lot had happened since Madonna rolled around in a wedding dress during “Like a Virgin” at that first awards show, but she remained the video era’s flagship star. Toffler hoped a plum spot on the program would motivate the Queen of Pop to outdo herself.
“I don’t have to encourage Madonna to go over-the-top,...
“I don’t have to encourage Madonna to go over-the-top,...
- 8/22/2023
- by Matthew Jacobs
- Rollingstone.com
Here is a wrap-up of all the news you need to know from Wednesday, June 28, 2023.
Paramount+ has announced an exciting new docuseries with an '80s twist.
I Wanna Rock: '80s Metal Dream will bow on the streaming service on Tuesday, July 18, 2023.
"Hairspray. Spandex. Leather pants," the streaming service teases.
"I Wanna Rock: The '80s Metal Dream follows five young dreamers chasing stardom in the cutthroat world of '80s metal. Some will succeed, some will fail, but each will make you see an entirely new side of the metal genre."
It sounds different, right?
MTV Entertainment Studios produce the series in partnership with Gunpowder & Sky. Directed and executive produced by Tyler Measom.
Produced by Van Toffler. Executive produced by David Kennedy, Nick Quested, Rick Krim, Matt Shay, Matt Weaver, Floris Bauer, Barry Barclay, and Joanna Zwickel.
Bruce Gillmer, Michael Maniaci, and Vanessa WhiteWolf executive produce for MTV Entertainment Studios,...
Paramount+ has announced an exciting new docuseries with an '80s twist.
I Wanna Rock: '80s Metal Dream will bow on the streaming service on Tuesday, July 18, 2023.
"Hairspray. Spandex. Leather pants," the streaming service teases.
"I Wanna Rock: The '80s Metal Dream follows five young dreamers chasing stardom in the cutthroat world of '80s metal. Some will succeed, some will fail, but each will make you see an entirely new side of the metal genre."
It sounds different, right?
MTV Entertainment Studios produce the series in partnership with Gunpowder & Sky. Directed and executive produced by Tyler Measom.
Produced by Van Toffler. Executive produced by David Kennedy, Nick Quested, Rick Krim, Matt Shay, Matt Weaver, Floris Bauer, Barry Barclay, and Joanna Zwickel.
Bruce Gillmer, Michael Maniaci, and Vanessa WhiteWolf executive produce for MTV Entertainment Studios,...
- 6/28/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Exclusive: Freestyle Digital Media has acquired U.S. rights to the adventure thriller Survive, starring Emmy nominees Sophie Turner (Game of Thrones) and Corey Hawkins (BlacKkKlansman), slating it for release on VOD on June 20th.
The film directed by by Mark Pellington (Arlington Road), which is based on the same-name 2012 novel by Alex Morel, was originally conceived as a “movie in chapters” for the now-defunct streaming platform Quibi, with its story broken out into segments of 10 minutes or less in length. It tells the story of what happens when two ordinary people, Jane (Turner) and Paul (Hawkins), have to fight for their lives when their airplane crashes on a remote snow-covered mountain, leaving them as the only survivors. Soon, this unlikely duo will have to find a way to get back to society, all while Jane struggles with her own personal demons, and Paul does everything he can to keep...
The film directed by by Mark Pellington (Arlington Road), which is based on the same-name 2012 novel by Alex Morel, was originally conceived as a “movie in chapters” for the now-defunct streaming platform Quibi, with its story broken out into segments of 10 minutes or less in length. It tells the story of what happens when two ordinary people, Jane (Turner) and Paul (Hawkins), have to fight for their lives when their airplane crashes on a remote snow-covered mountain, leaving them as the only survivors. Soon, this unlikely duo will have to find a way to get back to society, all while Jane struggles with her own personal demons, and Paul does everything he can to keep...
- 5/24/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Religion of Sports, the Emmy-winning sports media company founded by Gotham Chopra, Tom Brady and Michael Strahan, has today named Pietro Moro to the hybrid role of COO/CFO, also spotlighting the expansion of its production team with two promotions and four hirings.
In his new role at Ros, Moro will oversee teams in development, production and post-production, finance, human resources and operations. He comes to the company after serving as CFO of Gunpowder & Sky, the independent film and TV studio run by former MTV President Van Toffler. During his time at Gunpowder, Moro led finance, Hr and operations functions, spearheading the company’s corporate development efforts, and most recently, running the Dust and Alter direct-to-consumer brands division.
“I’ve been a fan of awe-inspiring stories about legendary athletes my entire life,” said Moro in a statement to Deadline. “After meeting with Gotham and Ameeth [Sankaran, CEO] and...
In his new role at Ros, Moro will oversee teams in development, production and post-production, finance, human resources and operations. He comes to the company after serving as CFO of Gunpowder & Sky, the independent film and TV studio run by former MTV President Van Toffler. During his time at Gunpowder, Moro led finance, Hr and operations functions, spearheading the company’s corporate development efforts, and most recently, running the Dust and Alter direct-to-consumer brands division.
“I’ve been a fan of awe-inspiring stories about legendary athletes my entire life,” said Moro in a statement to Deadline. “After meeting with Gotham and Ameeth [Sankaran, CEO] and...
- 5/23/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
A series of changes have taken place at Showtime. Variety has confirmed the network has canceled “Ziwe” after just two seasons and has picked up Mandy Patinkin’s “Seasoned” to series, delivering a six-episode order.
Hosted and executive produced by comedian Ziwe Fumudoh, the talk show focused on presenting trending hot topics concerning race, politics and other cultural issues as well as musical numbers, interviews, guest stars and comedic sketches. Guests on Season 2 included Drew Barrymore, Rowan Blanchard, Blake Griffin, Emily Ratajkowski and Mia Khalifa, among others. The series first debuted in 2021.
With the loss, that leaves Showtime without a current late night talk show following the cancellation of “Desus & Mero” (which Ziwe also served as a writer on before moving to her own show). The changes come as part of Showtime’s reevaluation of the programming slate after MTV Entertainment Group president and CEO Chris McCarthy stepped in...
Hosted and executive produced by comedian Ziwe Fumudoh, the talk show focused on presenting trending hot topics concerning race, politics and other cultural issues as well as musical numbers, interviews, guest stars and comedic sketches. Guests on Season 2 included Drew Barrymore, Rowan Blanchard, Blake Griffin, Emily Ratajkowski and Mia Khalifa, among others. The series first debuted in 2021.
With the loss, that leaves Showtime without a current late night talk show following the cancellation of “Desus & Mero” (which Ziwe also served as a writer on before moving to her own show). The changes come as part of Showtime’s reevaluation of the programming slate after MTV Entertainment Group president and CEO Chris McCarthy stepped in...
- 4/5/2023
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance’s film Heist 88, which had been earmarked for Paramount+, will be moving to Showtime, Deadline has learned. Additionally, I hear the network has made decisions on two of its three comedy pilots, handing a six-episode series order to Seasoned, starring Mandy Patinkin and Kathryn Grody, and passing on The Wood, based on the 1999 feature film. Showtime also has opted not to renew Ziwe, hosted and executive produced by comedian Ziwe Fumudoh, for a third season.
Paramount Television Studios, which produces The Wood, will be shopping it elsewhere.
Original movies were a staple on Showtime in the 1980s, 90s and 2000s until the network shifted to original series. The network recently returned to the genre after a14-year break with Ray Donovan: The Movie. Heist 88, which stars Vance, falls into one of the three new programming lanes for Showtime recently outlined by Chris McCarthy,...
Paramount Television Studios, which produces The Wood, will be shopping it elsewhere.
Original movies were a staple on Showtime in the 1980s, 90s and 2000s until the network shifted to original series. The network recently returned to the genre after a14-year break with Ray Donovan: The Movie. Heist 88, which stars Vance, falls into one of the three new programming lanes for Showtime recently outlined by Chris McCarthy,...
- 4/5/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
With “Evil Dead Rise” earning good reviews (96% and 7.5/10 on Rotten Tomatoes) and solid buzz out of its SXSW premiere, New Line wasted no time in locking down director Lee Cronin’s next feature. Next up will be an original horror film, titled “Thaw,” for which Cronin will rewrite the current draft.
The picture, originally written by Jeremy Passmore, is set years after the polar ice caps have melted with concurrent rising sea levels. “Thaw” centers on a group of survivors at sea searching for a new home. They discover an inhabitable town only to realize… well this isn’t “Waterworld” folks.
Van Toffler and David Gale of Gunpowder & Sky as well as Adam Goldworm of Aperture, who produced HBO’s upcoming adaptation of Grady Hendrix’s novel “The Final Girl Support Group,” are producing.
Also Read:
How Dwayne Johnson Kneecapped ‘Black Adam’ and ‘Shazam 2’ While Trying to Take...
The picture, originally written by Jeremy Passmore, is set years after the polar ice caps have melted with concurrent rising sea levels. “Thaw” centers on a group of survivors at sea searching for a new home. They discover an inhabitable town only to realize… well this isn’t “Waterworld” folks.
Van Toffler and David Gale of Gunpowder & Sky as well as Adam Goldworm of Aperture, who produced HBO’s upcoming adaptation of Grady Hendrix’s novel “The Final Girl Support Group,” are producing.
Also Read:
How Dwayne Johnson Kneecapped ‘Black Adam’ and ‘Shazam 2’ While Trying to Take...
- 3/29/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Lee Cronin was a virtually unknown filmmaker just a few years ago. Now? It seems he's poised to be one of horror's chief new guiding voices. Case in point, not only is he bringing us "Evil Dead Rise" next month, which debuted to glowing reviews out of SXSW this year (read our review here), but he has lined up his next feature that will see him reunite with Warner Bros. and New Line. And this time, he's bringing us some sea-dwelling terror.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Cronin has been tapped to direct and rewrite an original horror flick titled "Thaw." Jeremy Passmore ("San Andreas") penned the original version of the screenplay, which was sold to Gunpowder & Sky. Now, it's in Cronin's hands, demonstrating a pretty big show of faith in the director by the brass at Warner Bros. Van Toffler, David Gale, and Adam Goldworm are on board to produce the film.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Cronin has been tapped to direct and rewrite an original horror flick titled "Thaw." Jeremy Passmore ("San Andreas") penned the original version of the screenplay, which was sold to Gunpowder & Sky. Now, it's in Cronin's hands, demonstrating a pretty big show of faith in the director by the brass at Warner Bros. Van Toffler, David Gale, and Adam Goldworm are on board to produce the film.
- 3/29/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
While we wait for Evil Dead Rise next month, THR reports this afternoon that Lee Cronin (The Hole in the Ground) will next be directing the movie Thaw for New Line Cinema.
Jeremy Passmore (San Andreas) wrote the original script, which sold to Gunpowder & Sky. THR reports that Lee Cronin will be rewriting the script as well as directing.
“Set years after the polar ice caps have melted and the sea levels have risen, the story centers on a group of survivors at sea searching for a new home.
“Their prayers are answered with the discovery of an inhabitable town; until, that is, they encounter a new nightmare living just below the water’s surface.”
Producers include Van Toffler and David Gale, as well as Adam Goldworm.
The post ‘Thaw’ – ‘Evil Dead Rise’ Filmmaker Lee Cronin Directing Aquatic Horror Movie for New Line appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.
Jeremy Passmore (San Andreas) wrote the original script, which sold to Gunpowder & Sky. THR reports that Lee Cronin will be rewriting the script as well as directing.
“Set years after the polar ice caps have melted and the sea levels have risen, the story centers on a group of survivors at sea searching for a new home.
“Their prayers are answered with the discovery of an inhabitable town; until, that is, they encounter a new nightmare living just below the water’s surface.”
Producers include Van Toffler and David Gale, as well as Adam Goldworm.
The post ‘Thaw’ – ‘Evil Dead Rise’ Filmmaker Lee Cronin Directing Aquatic Horror Movie for New Line appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.
- 3/29/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Lee Cronin, director of New Line’s upcoming Evil Dead Rise, is reuniting with the studio to direct the original horror feature Thaw.
Cronin, who is riding high from Rise’s rapturous reception at this year’s SXSW, will also rewrite the current draft.
Van Toffler and David Gale of Gunpowder & Sky, as well as Adam Goldworm of Aperture, who produced the well-regarded drama My Friend Dahmer and has Final Girl Support Group set up at HBO, are producing.
Set years after the polar ice caps have melted and sea levels have risen, the story of Thaw centers on a group of survivors at sea searching for a new home. Their prayers are answered with the discovery of an inhabitable town, that is, until they encounter a new nightmare living just below the water’s surface.
Thaw was initially written by Jeremy Passmore, who developed the project as an original spec with Goldworm,...
Cronin, who is riding high from Rise’s rapturous reception at this year’s SXSW, will also rewrite the current draft.
Van Toffler and David Gale of Gunpowder & Sky, as well as Adam Goldworm of Aperture, who produced the well-regarded drama My Friend Dahmer and has Final Girl Support Group set up at HBO, are producing.
Set years after the polar ice caps have melted and sea levels have risen, the story of Thaw centers on a group of survivors at sea searching for a new home. Their prayers are answered with the discovery of an inhabitable town, that is, until they encounter a new nightmare living just below the water’s surface.
Thaw was initially written by Jeremy Passmore, who developed the project as an original spec with Goldworm,...
- 3/29/2023
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Gunpowder & Sky, the production company behind Showtime’s Sheryl and Discovery+’s Werner Herzog-narrated Last Exit: Space, is staffing up.
The company, founded by Van Toffler and Floris Bauer, has hired Catti Alvarez as VP, Unscripted Development and Natalie Gergely as VP, Scripted Development.
Alvarez will report to Art Lyons, SVP of Unscripted Development, with Gergely reporting to CEO Toffler.
Alvarez was previously at Fly on the Wall Entertainment, most recently as Director of Development, where she worked on shows such as CBS’ Million Dollar Mile, Fox’s Crime Scene Kitchen, Freevee’s Hollywood Houselift with Jeff Lewis and several YouTube projects including A Day in the Live. She also previously worked at Spike TV and CAA.
Gergely previously served as the Director of Development for Abominable Pictures, which produced Netflix’s U.S. remake of Murderville, Medical Police, Wet Hot American Summer and Childrens Hospital. Before Abominable,...
The company, founded by Van Toffler and Floris Bauer, has hired Catti Alvarez as VP, Unscripted Development and Natalie Gergely as VP, Scripted Development.
Alvarez will report to Art Lyons, SVP of Unscripted Development, with Gergely reporting to CEO Toffler.
Alvarez was previously at Fly on the Wall Entertainment, most recently as Director of Development, where she worked on shows such as CBS’ Million Dollar Mile, Fox’s Crime Scene Kitchen, Freevee’s Hollywood Houselift with Jeff Lewis and several YouTube projects including A Day in the Live. She also previously worked at Spike TV and CAA.
Gergely previously served as the Director of Development for Abominable Pictures, which produced Netflix’s U.S. remake of Murderville, Medical Police, Wet Hot American Summer and Childrens Hospital. Before Abominable,...
- 3/14/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Gunpowder & Sky, the company founded by former MTV chief Van Toffler and former Endemol exec Floris Bauer, is formalizing its relationship with Audible.
The studio has struck a first-look deal with the Amazon-owned audio platform, expanding on its work that includes episodes of high-profile music series Words + Music.
The multi-year deal will see the producer move into new genres for Audible including pop culture, sports, scripted, wellness, investigative and true crime in addition to music.
It marks Audible’s latest first-look deal in the podcast space after signing President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground as well as the likes of Daniel Dae Kim.
Gunpowder & Sky has also produced upcoming series including Lighters in the Sky and Shelved for Audible. It also follows the launch of Audible original In The Cut with Ghetto Gastro, an eight-part series produced by Gunpowder & Sky and created and presented by...
The studio has struck a first-look deal with the Amazon-owned audio platform, expanding on its work that includes episodes of high-profile music series Words + Music.
The multi-year deal will see the producer move into new genres for Audible including pop culture, sports, scripted, wellness, investigative and true crime in addition to music.
It marks Audible’s latest first-look deal in the podcast space after signing President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground as well as the likes of Daniel Dae Kim.
Gunpowder & Sky has also produced upcoming series including Lighters in the Sky and Shelved for Audible. It also follows the launch of Audible original In The Cut with Ghetto Gastro, an eight-part series produced by Gunpowder & Sky and created and presented by...
- 2/23/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Hulu’s “Wu-Tang: An American Saga” will return for its third and final season with three episodes Feb. 15, the streamer announced Wednesday. New episodes will follow every Wednesday, with the finale set for on April 5.
In the final season, the group is fresh off the release of their debut album and their continued rise to fame, with each of the members beginning to go on separate journeys to figure out where they fit in the music world. RZA struggles to stay on top of things in order to fulfill the promise he made to his Wu brothers to cement their legacy.
Ashton Sanders returns as Bobby Diggs, later known as the RZA, Shameik Moore plays Raekwon, Siddiq Saunderson portrays Ghostface Killah with additional cast including Julian Elijah Martinez, Marcus Callender, Zolee Griggs, T.J. Atoms, Dave East, Johnell Young, Uyoata Udi and Damani Sease. Alex Tse, the RZA, Method Man and...
In the final season, the group is fresh off the release of their debut album and their continued rise to fame, with each of the members beginning to go on separate journeys to figure out where they fit in the music world. RZA struggles to stay on top of things in order to fulfill the promise he made to his Wu brothers to cement their legacy.
Ashton Sanders returns as Bobby Diggs, later known as the RZA, Shameik Moore plays Raekwon, Siddiq Saunderson portrays Ghostface Killah with additional cast including Julian Elijah Martinez, Marcus Callender, Zolee Griggs, T.J. Atoms, Dave East, Johnell Young, Uyoata Udi and Damani Sease. Alex Tse, the RZA, Method Man and...
- 12/15/2022
- by EJ Panaligan
- Variety Film + TV
Every media personality from the ’90s needs a streaming documentary, and Miss Cleo has conjured up her own. The first trailer for “Call Me Miss Cleo,” an HBO Max original documentary, was released on Thursday.
Born Youree Dell Harris, Miss Cleo was the main spokesperson for Psychic Readers Network, a pay-per-call service for people seeking the advice of psychics. Through television infomercials, Harris built up a cult following from 1997 to 2003 across the United States, before the company was charged by the Federal Trade Commission with deceptive advertising, billing, and collection practices. Harris left Psychic Readers Network and continued to play the character of Cleo intermittently in advertisements for used car dealerships and French Toast Crunch cereal, before developing colorectal cancer and passing away in 2016.
The new documentary features interviews with the people closest to Harris, as well as prominent celebrities during her heyday like Raven-Symoné and Debra Wilson, exploring her shadowy and convoluted real-life story.
Born Youree Dell Harris, Miss Cleo was the main spokesperson for Psychic Readers Network, a pay-per-call service for people seeking the advice of psychics. Through television infomercials, Harris built up a cult following from 1997 to 2003 across the United States, before the company was charged by the Federal Trade Commission with deceptive advertising, billing, and collection practices. Harris left Psychic Readers Network and continued to play the character of Cleo intermittently in advertisements for used car dealerships and French Toast Crunch cereal, before developing colorectal cancer and passing away in 2016.
The new documentary features interviews with the people closest to Harris, as well as prominent celebrities during her heyday like Raven-Symoné and Debra Wilson, exploring her shadowy and convoluted real-life story.
- 12/1/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
The Max Original documentary Call Me Miss Cleo, debuts Thursday, December 15 on HBO Max. This eye-opening film, produced by Gunpowder & Sky, chronicles the rise, fall, and reinvention of controversial and revered ‘90s television psychic Miss Cleo and features testimonials with those closest to her, as well as actresses Raven-Symoné and Debra Wilson.
Synopsis: Known for her larger-than-life persona and memorable accent, Miss Cleo, born Youree Dell Harris, garnered a nationwide cult following on the Psychic Readers Network, a popular telephone hotline that later came under fire for its alleged deceptive practices. Featuring interviews with celebrities and those closest to the self-proclaimed voodoo priestess, the film explores the many layers behind a complicated and charismatic figure. Revisiting an era of corded phones and 1-900-numbers, Call Me Miss Cleo ultimately reveals the truth behind the ever-enigmatic woman who took TV by storm, only to abruptly disappear from public consciousness.
Joanna Zwickel,...
Synopsis: Known for her larger-than-life persona and memorable accent, Miss Cleo, born Youree Dell Harris, garnered a nationwide cult following on the Psychic Readers Network, a popular telephone hotline that later came under fire for its alleged deceptive practices. Featuring interviews with celebrities and those closest to the self-proclaimed voodoo priestess, the film explores the many layers behind a complicated and charismatic figure. Revisiting an era of corded phones and 1-900-numbers, Call Me Miss Cleo ultimately reveals the truth behind the ever-enigmatic woman who took TV by storm, only to abruptly disappear from public consciousness.
Joanna Zwickel,...
- 12/1/2022
- by TV Shows Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid - TV
Exclusive: Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance have renewed the overall deal with MTV Entertainment Studios for their Bassett Vance Productions, and have set Heist 88, starring Vance, as the first feature under the new pact.
Directed by Menhaj Huda (Kidulthood),the film, which is currently shooting in Chicago, reunites two-time Emmy winner Vance with his The People vs Oj Simpson: American Crime Story co-star Keesha Sharp and Bentley Green, who recently starred alongside him in AMC’s 61st Street.
In addition to Vance, Sharp and Green, Keith David, Xavier Clyde, Nican Robinson and Precious Way also star in Heist 88, which is inspired by true events and tells the unbelievable story of one of the largest bank heists ever to occur in the United States.
In the film, written by Dwayne Johnson-Cochran, Vance portrays Jeremy Horne, a criminal mastermind with an innate ability to convince anyone to do just about anything,...
Directed by Menhaj Huda (Kidulthood),the film, which is currently shooting in Chicago, reunites two-time Emmy winner Vance with his The People vs Oj Simpson: American Crime Story co-star Keesha Sharp and Bentley Green, who recently starred alongside him in AMC’s 61st Street.
In addition to Vance, Sharp and Green, Keith David, Xavier Clyde, Nican Robinson and Precious Way also star in Heist 88, which is inspired by true events and tells the unbelievable story of one of the largest bank heists ever to occur in the United States.
In the film, written by Dwayne Johnson-Cochran, Vance portrays Jeremy Horne, a criminal mastermind with an innate ability to convince anyone to do just about anything,...
- 8/25/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Showtime’s comedy pilot based on the 1999 film “The Wood” has set its main cast, Variety has learned exclusively.
Vince Staples, Xavier Mills, Karen Obilom, Melvin Gregg, and Essence Renae will star in the pilot, with Richard T. Jones and Tamala Jones set to reprise their roles as Slim and Tanya respectively from the film.
Rick Famuyiwa, who wrote and directed the film, will direct and executive produce the pilot. It was ordered at Showtime in August 2021. The show is described as an honest look at friendship and dating from the perspective of three young Black males born and raised in the gentrifying L.A. suburb of Inglewood. The trio’s struggles to balance fatherhood, ambition and loyalty force them to question if they are growing apart, or closer together.
Staples (“Lazor Wolf”) will star as Jamal, an aspiring photographer from Ladera Heights, who has been cut off by his...
Vince Staples, Xavier Mills, Karen Obilom, Melvin Gregg, and Essence Renae will star in the pilot, with Richard T. Jones and Tamala Jones set to reprise their roles as Slim and Tanya respectively from the film.
Rick Famuyiwa, who wrote and directed the film, will direct and executive produce the pilot. It was ordered at Showtime in August 2021. The show is described as an honest look at friendship and dating from the perspective of three young Black males born and raised in the gentrifying L.A. suburb of Inglewood. The trio’s struggles to balance fatherhood, ambition and loyalty force them to question if they are growing apart, or closer together.
Staples (“Lazor Wolf”) will star as Jamal, an aspiring photographer from Ladera Heights, who has been cut off by his...
- 6/29/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Showtime’s Sheryl Crow music documentary Sheryl will premiere on the channel Friday, May 6, with a new trailer now available.
The documentary, directed by Amy Scott and charting what Showtime describes as Crow’s “hard-fought musical career battling sexism, depression, perfectionism, cancer, and the price of fame,” has its world premiere tonight at SXSW.
Sheryl is told through present-day interviews with Crow, behind-the-scenes verité on the road and in her studio, never before seen archival footage spanning 20 years of touring, and interviews with close colleagues Keith Richards, Laura Dern, Joe Walsh, Emmylou Harris, Brandi Carlile, and others.
The Showtime premiere date was announced today by Vinnie Malhotra, Executive Vice President, Nonfiction Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. The film is produced by Brian Morrow and Jonathan Lynch for Shark Pig, Van Toffler for Gunpowder & Sky, and Scooter Weintraub. Executive producers are Floris Bauer, Barry Barclay, David Gale and Vinnie Malhotra.
In conjunction with the documentary premiere,...
The documentary, directed by Amy Scott and charting what Showtime describes as Crow’s “hard-fought musical career battling sexism, depression, perfectionism, cancer, and the price of fame,” has its world premiere tonight at SXSW.
Sheryl is told through present-day interviews with Crow, behind-the-scenes verité on the road and in her studio, never before seen archival footage spanning 20 years of touring, and interviews with close colleagues Keith Richards, Laura Dern, Joe Walsh, Emmylou Harris, Brandi Carlile, and others.
The Showtime premiere date was announced today by Vinnie Malhotra, Executive Vice President, Nonfiction Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. The film is produced by Brian Morrow and Jonathan Lynch for Shark Pig, Van Toffler for Gunpowder & Sky, and Scooter Weintraub. Executive producers are Floris Bauer, Barry Barclay, David Gale and Vinnie Malhotra.
In conjunction with the documentary premiere,...
- 3/11/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Former MTV topper Van Toffler is back in a formal relationship with the company where he spent almost three decades as an executive. MTV Entertainment Group has signed a multi-picture deal with independent studio Gunpowder & Sky, co-founded and run by Van Toffler, former CEO of Viacom Media Networks Music & Logo Group. The pact follows Mtve’s collaboration with Gunpowder & Sky on Comedy Central’s Hot Mess Holiday movie, starring Kal Penn, which was recently nominated for two NAACP awards, and signals a push in that area for the ViacomCBS division.
Under the pact, Mtve and Gunpowder & Sky, led by CEO Toffler and fellow MTV alum, EVP Development and Production David Gale, will develop comedic movies for MTV Entertainment’s portfolio of brands and platforms.
This is a familiar territory for Toffler and Gale who built MTV’s movie business with MTV Films, which Toffler launched and oversaw and...
Under the pact, Mtve and Gunpowder & Sky, led by CEO Toffler and fellow MTV alum, EVP Development and Production David Gale, will develop comedic movies for MTV Entertainment’s portfolio of brands and platforms.
This is a familiar territory for Toffler and Gale who built MTV’s movie business with MTV Films, which Toffler launched and oversaw and...
- 2/1/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
YouTube Global Head of Original Content Susanne Daniels has resigned after over six years, during which she built the original content division of the company. YouTube Originals is coming off Q4 2021 as its most-watched quarter ever with 1.3 billion views.
Daniels, a respected veteran TV executive, joined YouTube Originals in 2015 when the video-sharing giant had announced the launch of a premium subscription tier with high-end original scripted programming. She developed and launched such series as Cobra Kai, which set YouTube viewership records before moving to Netflix and earning Emmy nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series, Step-Up (now on Starz), On Becoming A God In Central Florida (moved to Showtime) Wayne (available on Prime Video) and Impulse from Doug Liman.
In 2018, the Google-owned streamer pivoted away from scripted and SVOD to focus to their core unscripted content under the existing AVOD model. Daniels, who had started her career in unscripted at NBC decades ago,...
Daniels, a respected veteran TV executive, joined YouTube Originals in 2015 when the video-sharing giant had announced the launch of a premium subscription tier with high-end original scripted programming. She developed and launched such series as Cobra Kai, which set YouTube viewership records before moving to Netflix and earning Emmy nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series, Step-Up (now on Starz), On Becoming A God In Central Florida (moved to Showtime) Wayne (available on Prime Video) and Impulse from Doug Liman.
In 2018, the Google-owned streamer pivoted away from scripted and SVOD to focus to their core unscripted content under the existing AVOD model. Daniels, who had started her career in unscripted at NBC decades ago,...
- 1/18/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Comedy Central announced its annual 31-day holiday extravaganza, featuring two new movies: “A Clüsterfünke Christmas,” debuting Dec. 4, and “Hot Mess Holiday,” premiering Dec. 11.
Both of these movies will air at 7 p.m. The network will announce additional titles for its”31 Days of Going Home for the Holidays” programming slate at a later date.
“A Clüsterfünke Christmas” stars Vella Lovell, Cheyenne Jackson, Ryan McPartlin, Nils Hognestad, Rachel Dratch and Ana Gasteyer and follows the story of real estate executive Holly who heads to a small town to buy the quaint Clüsterfünke Inn and transform it into a resort. While meeting the owners, Holly finds herself distracted by their handsome nephew Frank. It is a parody of more traditional holiday rom-coms.
Anna Dokoza directs “A Clüsterfünke Christmas,” which was written by Dratch and Gasteyer, who also executive produce alongside Meghan Hooper, Trevor Rose, Josh Van Houdt, Danielle von Zerneck, Jamie Goehring and Shawn Williamson.
Both of these movies will air at 7 p.m. The network will announce additional titles for its”31 Days of Going Home for the Holidays” programming slate at a later date.
“A Clüsterfünke Christmas” stars Vella Lovell, Cheyenne Jackson, Ryan McPartlin, Nils Hognestad, Rachel Dratch and Ana Gasteyer and follows the story of real estate executive Holly who heads to a small town to buy the quaint Clüsterfünke Inn and transform it into a resort. While meeting the owners, Holly finds herself distracted by their handsome nephew Frank. It is a parody of more traditional holiday rom-coms.
Anna Dokoza directs “A Clüsterfünke Christmas,” which was written by Dratch and Gasteyer, who also executive produce alongside Meghan Hooper, Trevor Rose, Josh Van Houdt, Danielle von Zerneck, Jamie Goehring and Shawn Williamson.
- 10/29/2021
- by Katie Song and Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Gunpowder & Sky, the company behind Hulu’s 69: The Saga of Danny Hernandez and Discovery+’s Last Exit: Space documentaries, is expanding its non-fiction team.
The company, which has a first-look documentary deal with HBO and HBO Max, has hired Joanna Zwickel and Art Lyons.
Zwickel, who was previously Head of Development at My Entertainment, joins as SVP of Documentary Features and Series, while Art Lyons, who was previously SVP, Development at The Content Group, is joining as SVP of Unscripted.
Zwickel previously worked closely with Spotlight producer Sugar23 and Mark Wahlberg’s Unrealistic Ideas and before My Entertainment, was VP, Scripted TV development at MRC Studios and was one of the original hires at Blumhouse TV.
Project she has overseen include Hulu’s Fyre Fraud, Peacock’s Angelyne and FX’s Wilderness of Error.
Lyons, meanwhile, previously helped launch series such as TNT’s Shaq Life, Discovery’s...
The company, which has a first-look documentary deal with HBO and HBO Max, has hired Joanna Zwickel and Art Lyons.
Zwickel, who was previously Head of Development at My Entertainment, joins as SVP of Documentary Features and Series, while Art Lyons, who was previously SVP, Development at The Content Group, is joining as SVP of Unscripted.
Zwickel previously worked closely with Spotlight producer Sugar23 and Mark Wahlberg’s Unrealistic Ideas and before My Entertainment, was VP, Scripted TV development at MRC Studios and was one of the original hires at Blumhouse TV.
Project she has overseen include Hulu’s Fyre Fraud, Peacock’s Angelyne and FX’s Wilderness of Error.
Lyons, meanwhile, previously helped launch series such as TNT’s Shaq Life, Discovery’s...
- 10/7/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Showtime has given a pilot order to comedy The Wood, based on the 1999 feature film, from Justin Hillian, Rick Famuyiwa and Showtime sibling Paramount Television Studios.
Famuyiwa, who co-wrote and directed the film, will direct the pilot and executive produce with Hillian, who will pen the script. The pilot order was announced during Showtime’s virtual TCA presentation Tuesday.
The Wood is an honest look at friendship and dating from the perspective of three young Black males born and raised in the gentrifying L.A. suburb of Inglewood, fondly referred to by locals as the City Of Champions. The trio’s struggles to balance fatherhood, ambition and loyalty force them to question if they are growing apart … or closer together. With a knowing nod back to the characters of the 1999 film on which it is based, this romantic comedy showcases the humor and heart...
Famuyiwa, who co-wrote and directed the film, will direct the pilot and executive produce with Hillian, who will pen the script. The pilot order was announced during Showtime’s virtual TCA presentation Tuesday.
The Wood is an honest look at friendship and dating from the perspective of three young Black males born and raised in the gentrifying L.A. suburb of Inglewood, fondly referred to by locals as the City Of Champions. The trio’s struggles to balance fatherhood, ambition and loyalty force them to question if they are growing apart … or closer together. With a knowing nod back to the characters of the 1999 film on which it is based, this romantic comedy showcases the humor and heart...
- 8/24/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Showtime renewed “Flatbush Misdemeanors” for a second season and ordered a pilot titled “The Wood” from “The Chi’s” Justin Hillian and Rick Famuyiwa.
“Flatbush Misdemeanors,” which premiered its first season in May on the premium cabler, follows longtime friends Dan (Dan Perlman) and Kevin (Kevin Iso), who struggle to thrive while living in Brooklyn, N.Y. It’s an adaptation of Iso and Perlman’s digital series of the same title and is created by Iso and Perlman, executive produce alongside Richard Allen-Turner, Jon Thoday, David Martin and Chloe Pisello.
The show is a co-production between Showtime and Avalon; Avalon will continue to act as the lead studio on Season 2. Season 1 cast also included Kristin Dodson, Hassan Johnson, Kareem Green and Kerry Coddett.
“The Wood” is a new comedy pilot based on the 1999 feature film of the same title by Rick Famuyiwa. It will explore friendship and dating from...
“Flatbush Misdemeanors,” which premiered its first season in May on the premium cabler, follows longtime friends Dan (Dan Perlman) and Kevin (Kevin Iso), who struggle to thrive while living in Brooklyn, N.Y. It’s an adaptation of Iso and Perlman’s digital series of the same title and is created by Iso and Perlman, executive produce alongside Richard Allen-Turner, Jon Thoday, David Martin and Chloe Pisello.
The show is a co-production between Showtime and Avalon; Avalon will continue to act as the lead studio on Season 2. Season 1 cast also included Kristin Dodson, Hassan Johnson, Kareem Green and Kerry Coddett.
“The Wood” is a new comedy pilot based on the 1999 feature film of the same title by Rick Famuyiwa. It will explore friendship and dating from...
- 8/24/2021
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
Showtime has ordered a pilot for a TV series based on Rick Famuyiwa’s 1999 movie, “The Wood.”
Famuyiwa will direct the pilot and executive produce alongside “The Chi” showrunner Justin Hillian, who will write the script.
The project is from Paramount Television Studios.
“The Wood” is an honest look at friendship and dating from the perspective of three young Black males born and raised in the gentrifying L.A. suburb of Inglewood, fondly referred to by locals as the City Of Champions. The trio’s struggles to balance fatherhood, ambition and loyalty force them to question if they are growing apart … or closer together. With a knowing nod back to the characters of the 1999 film on which it is based, this romantic comedy showcases the humor and heart of young Black men and women trying to navigate life, love and likes on the ’Gram.
“The Wood” starred Omar Epps, Richard T. Jones...
Famuyiwa will direct the pilot and executive produce alongside “The Chi” showrunner Justin Hillian, who will write the script.
The project is from Paramount Television Studios.
“The Wood” is an honest look at friendship and dating from the perspective of three young Black males born and raised in the gentrifying L.A. suburb of Inglewood, fondly referred to by locals as the City Of Champions. The trio’s struggles to balance fatherhood, ambition and loyalty force them to question if they are growing apart … or closer together. With a knowing nod back to the characters of the 1999 film on which it is based, this romantic comedy showcases the humor and heart of young Black men and women trying to navigate life, love and likes on the ’Gram.
“The Wood” starred Omar Epps, Richard T. Jones...
- 8/24/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Gunpowder & Sky, co-founded and run by former MTV chief Van Toffler, is laying down more tracks in the music podcast space with a pair of documentary series for Audible.
The company is launching Lighters in the Sky, a series about epic concerts, and Shelved, about lost albums for the Amazon-owned audio service.
It comes after the studio signed a multi-project development and production deal last year that has seen it produce a number of projects for Audible’s Words + Music franchise including with artists such as Smokey Robinson, Alanis Morissette, St. Vincent and Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong.
Lighters in the Sky comes from author Corbin Reiff, who wrote Total F*cking Godhead: The Biography of Chris Cornell and it is based on his book Lighters in the Sky: The All-Time Greatest Concerts, 1960-2016.
The series is a deep dive through decades of epic gigs, often including interviews with the participants.
The company is launching Lighters in the Sky, a series about epic concerts, and Shelved, about lost albums for the Amazon-owned audio service.
It comes after the studio signed a multi-project development and production deal last year that has seen it produce a number of projects for Audible’s Words + Music franchise including with artists such as Smokey Robinson, Alanis Morissette, St. Vincent and Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong.
Lighters in the Sky comes from author Corbin Reiff, who wrote Total F*cking Godhead: The Biography of Chris Cornell and it is based on his book Lighters in the Sky: The All-Time Greatest Concerts, 1960-2016.
The series is a deep dive through decades of epic gigs, often including interviews with the participants.
- 8/4/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Miramax and Gunpower & Sky’s science fiction label Dust are teaming up to develop the sci-fi thriller, “The Masseuse.”
“We’re fired up that Bill Block and the Miramax team have recognized the wealth of emerging IP and underrepresented filmmaking talent lying within Dust’s ecosystem,” Gunpowder & Sky CEO Van Toffler said. “Miramax was our dream partner for this project because like us, they believe unique and diverse stories like ‘The Masseuse’ are the future of sci-fi storytelling and we can’t wait to get this one told!”
The feature is based on a short film written and directed by Tan Ce Ding that was released on the Dust channel in 2019. It is set in the near future where androids live and work among humans, resulting in a lonely android technician falling in love with the female android masseuse he’s been tasked to fix. All the while, the...
“We’re fired up that Bill Block and the Miramax team have recognized the wealth of emerging IP and underrepresented filmmaking talent lying within Dust’s ecosystem,” Gunpowder & Sky CEO Van Toffler said. “Miramax was our dream partner for this project because like us, they believe unique and diverse stories like ‘The Masseuse’ are the future of sci-fi storytelling and we can’t wait to get this one told!”
The feature is based on a short film written and directed by Tan Ce Ding that was released on the Dust channel in 2019. It is set in the near future where androids live and work among humans, resulting in a lonely android technician falling in love with the female android masseuse he’s been tasked to fix. All the while, the...
- 7/14/2021
- by Haley Bosselman
- Variety Film + TV
This will light your fire: A new documentary is in the works about the iconic frontman of The Doors, Jim Morrison.
Gunpowder & Sky, the production company behind the recent documentaries on Lil Peep and Tekashi69, is working with the Jim Morrison Estate, Jam Inc. and Jeff Pollack on the film. It will feature newly unearthed personal diaries, home movies and more from Morrison’s short but storied life.
No director is attached as of now. The film aims to show Morrison’s many dimensions and comes on the heels of a recently published book, “The Collected Works of Jim Morrison,” that includes his poetry, journals, transcripts and lyrics.
The as-yet-untitled documentary will be developed in conjunction with the Morrison estate and Jam, Inc., and will be produced by Gunpowder & Sky, Jeff Jampol and Jeff Pollack of FourScore Entertainment.
“Our job is to guide, protect and connect our clients’ extraordinary...
Gunpowder & Sky, the production company behind the recent documentaries on Lil Peep and Tekashi69, is working with the Jim Morrison Estate, Jam Inc. and Jeff Pollack on the film. It will feature newly unearthed personal diaries, home movies and more from Morrison’s short but storied life.
No director is attached as of now. The film aims to show Morrison’s many dimensions and comes on the heels of a recently published book, “The Collected Works of Jim Morrison,” that includes his poetry, journals, transcripts and lyrics.
The as-yet-untitled documentary will be developed in conjunction with the Morrison estate and Jam, Inc., and will be produced by Gunpowder & Sky, Jeff Jampol and Jeff Pollack of FourScore Entertainment.
“Our job is to guide, protect and connect our clients’ extraordinary...
- 7/9/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Edward Norton and Joss Stone have joined the voice cast of Paper Birds Pt. 2, the follow-up to the VR experience that hails from 3Dar, Baobab Studios and Oculus. Like its predecessor, it is bowing at the Tribeca Film Festival. It will be available on Oculus Quest beginning July 8.
The pair join the returning Archie Yates in the story that follows Toto (Yates), a short sighted child with an exceptional talent for music. With the guidance from his grandparents Robert (Norton), a highly respected musician in town devoted to his music above all else, and Elsa (Stone), who has set aside her dreams of being an artist to care for her family, Toto must find his way through the world of darkness to bring back his sister, taken away by the shadows. He’ll use the depth of music to open portals to the invisible world, and confront the shadows that will reveal their purpose.
The pair join the returning Archie Yates in the story that follows Toto (Yates), a short sighted child with an exceptional talent for music. With the guidance from his grandparents Robert (Norton), a highly respected musician in town devoted to his music above all else, and Elsa (Stone), who has set aside her dreams of being an artist to care for her family, Toto must find his way through the world of darkness to bring back his sister, taken away by the shadows. He’ll use the depth of music to open portals to the invisible world, and confront the shadows that will reveal their purpose.
- 6/4/2021
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: HBO and HBO Max are eyeing more stories of larger-than-life rock stars and social issues with a first-look deal with Gunpowder & Sky.
The two-year agreement will see the WarnerMedia cable network and streamer have first look at Gunpowder & Sky’s library of documentaries and docuseries.
The studio is behind projects such as music docs 69: The Saga of Danny Hernandez, which told the story of controversial rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine, and Everybody’s Everything, a film about the life of Soundcloud rapper Lil Peep, otherwise known as Gustav Elijah Åhr.
It is also the company responsible for Werner Herzog’s Last Exit: Space, political doc Kid Candidate, Bill Ackman’s crusade to expose global nutritional giant Herbalife as the largest pyramid scheme in history in Betting on Zero and Banksy’s Exit Through the Gift Shop.
It was founded by former MTV chief Van Toffler, together with Floris Bauer...
The two-year agreement will see the WarnerMedia cable network and streamer have first look at Gunpowder & Sky’s library of documentaries and docuseries.
The studio is behind projects such as music docs 69: The Saga of Danny Hernandez, which told the story of controversial rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine, and Everybody’s Everything, a film about the life of Soundcloud rapper Lil Peep, otherwise known as Gustav Elijah Åhr.
It is also the company responsible for Werner Herzog’s Last Exit: Space, political doc Kid Candidate, Bill Ackman’s crusade to expose global nutritional giant Herbalife as the largest pyramid scheme in history in Betting on Zero and Banksy’s Exit Through the Gift Shop.
It was founded by former MTV chief Van Toffler, together with Floris Bauer...
- 3/24/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
YouTube has renewed its music series Released for a second season. The new season will kick off with rapper Ddg, with upcoming episodes featuring Demi Lovato and Sub Urban to follow.
A revival of MTV’s Trl, Released premieres every Thursday night at 11:45 pm Et, moments before the artists drop their latest music videos. Each 15 minute episode provides unfiltered access to the week’s featured artist and their new music ahead of its official release on YouTube. The show also reveals exclusive music news, special announcements, and check-ins with other artists as music fans around the world countdown to the premiere together.
Sub Urban will be the featured artist on March 25 and Lovato on April 1. Artists who previously joined the weekly YouTube series are Blackpink, Miley Cyrus, Dua Lipa and more. Washington D.C DJ Little Bacon Bear hosts the series, which is produced by Den of Thieves and Gunpowder & Sky.
A revival of MTV’s Trl, Released premieres every Thursday night at 11:45 pm Et, moments before the artists drop their latest music videos. Each 15 minute episode provides unfiltered access to the week’s featured artist and their new music ahead of its official release on YouTube. The show also reveals exclusive music news, special announcements, and check-ins with other artists as music fans around the world countdown to the premiere together.
Sub Urban will be the featured artist on March 25 and Lovato on April 1. Artists who previously joined the weekly YouTube series are Blackpink, Miley Cyrus, Dua Lipa and more. Washington D.C DJ Little Bacon Bear hosts the series, which is produced by Den of Thieves and Gunpowder & Sky.
- 3/18/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Screen Media has acquired U.S. digital rights to After the Murder of Albert Lima, a true-crime documentary thriller directed and produced by Aengus James and which counts Meredith Vieira among its executive producers. With the deal, it will be released as a Crackle Original in the first quarter of 2021.
The pic tells the story of a son obsessed with capturing his father’s killer. After years of the legal system failing him, Paul Lima takes the unorthodox step of hiring two bounty hunters to travel to Honduras to track down and capture his father’s killer. This riveting, and at times darkly comedic, thriller explores both the importance of family and the dangers of taking the law into your own hands.
The film screened in the past year at Doc NYC and Woodstock Film Festival among other fests. It is executive produced by Gunpowder & Sky’s Van Toffler,...
The pic tells the story of a son obsessed with capturing his father’s killer. After years of the legal system failing him, Paul Lima takes the unorthodox step of hiring two bounty hunters to travel to Honduras to track down and capture his father’s killer. This riveting, and at times darkly comedic, thriller explores both the importance of family and the dangers of taking the law into your own hands.
The film screened in the past year at Doc NYC and Woodstock Film Festival among other fests. It is executive produced by Gunpowder & Sky’s Van Toffler,...
- 12/17/2020
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s TV news roundup, Showtime announced the premiere date for Season 3 of “Desus & Mero,” and Rooster Teeth and All Elite Wrestling unveiled plans for a podcast premiering Jan. 18.
Dates
Showtime revealed that “Desus & Mero” will return for Season 3 on Jan. 31. The late-night talk show — which marked the first venture into late-night for Showtime — will air at 11 p.m. each Sunday and Thursday. Co-hosts Desus Nice and The Kid Mero bring guests on each episode to discuss relevant topics from politics, sports, entertainment and other pressing moments from the week. The series is executive produced by Desus Nice, The Kid Mero, Lilly Burns, Tony Hernandez, Victor Lopez, Suzanne Fagel and Mike Pielocik.
Executive News
Allen Media Group announced the hiring of April Ryan to the position of White House correspondent and Washington, D.C. bureau chief for broadcast network TheGrio.TV. She will take on the position starting Jan.
Dates
Showtime revealed that “Desus & Mero” will return for Season 3 on Jan. 31. The late-night talk show — which marked the first venture into late-night for Showtime — will air at 11 p.m. each Sunday and Thursday. Co-hosts Desus Nice and The Kid Mero bring guests on each episode to discuss relevant topics from politics, sports, entertainment and other pressing moments from the week. The series is executive produced by Desus Nice, The Kid Mero, Lilly Burns, Tony Hernandez, Victor Lopez, Suzanne Fagel and Mike Pielocik.
Executive News
Allen Media Group announced the hiring of April Ryan to the position of White House correspondent and Washington, D.C. bureau chief for broadcast network TheGrio.TV. She will take on the position starting Jan.
- 12/17/2020
- by Eli Countryman
- Variety Film + TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.